1953 NBA Championship

Lore & Background

The Lakers franchise originated as the Detroit Gems (1947–1948) before moving to Minneapolis and becoming the Minneapolis Lakers (1948–1960). The team took its name from Minnesota's nickname, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The 1953 title was part of a three-peat (1952, 1953, 1954) under head coach John Kundla, who won five BAA/NBA championships with the Lakers.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Minneapolis Auditorium was thick with anticipation and the smell of popcorn as the crowd roared for one final push. George Mikan wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on the rim, knowing this game would define their season. As he drove past a Knicks defender, the hardwood squeaked under his heavy boots, a sound that echoed through the history books. He rose up, the ball leaving his fingertips with perfect arc, and as it swished through the net, the arena erupted in a deafening chant of 'M-I-K-A-N,' sealing their first-ever championship glory.

Reader's Guide

The 1953 Finals were a best-of-seven series. The Lakers won four games to the Knicks' one. No Finals MVP award existed at the time; that award was first given in 1969.

Did You Know?

• The Lakers have won 17 BAA/NBA championships total, five with John Kundla.
• John Kundla was the franchise's first NBA head coach and coached 12 seasons in the NBL, BAA, and NBA.
• The Lakers have only missed the NBA playoffs 11 times in franchise history.
• George Mikan played for the Lakers but could not have been named Finals MVP in 1953, as the award did not exist.